Tag Archives: India

RAAS Jodhpur

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There is something instantly alluring about Jodhpur. Known as ‘the blue city’ because of the numerous azure painted houses, it is a colourful maze of cobbled alleys and stall-lined streets. In this city I can’t imagine staying anywhere other than RAAS Jodhpur, a beautifully authentic, historic property at the foot of the famous Mehrangarh Fort. Here, within the walls of the old city, you will be immersed in the real Rajasthan, woken in the morning by the call to prayer and relaxing after lunch in the shadows of the city’s sites.


RAAS is Jodhpur’s first boutique hotel, opening in 2009 after three years of intensive renovating and building work. The property once belonged to a local noble family before it was taken over by the hotel group. The RAAS owners have kept the four old buildings intact and built three new modern structures which complement the style of the original design. Red sand stone unites the old and new, and adds a comforting warmth to the place. Almost all the rooms offer views of the magnificent Fort, which is equally impressive come day or night.


There are 39 rooms across 4 categories. We were very at home in room 134, a duplex suite with beautiful balcony views. Downstairs, the bedroom and living space was divinely luxurious, decorated in simple pale hues with vintage furniture and minimalist detailing. The marble white bathroom was fresh and indulgent, equipped with a walk-in rain shower and KAMA Ayurvedic toiletries from south India. Upstairs a more decorative living area and decadent bathtub was the perfect place to unwind with a book. Though I loved our room, for a particularly atmospheric stay I would recommend booking one of the heritage suites housed within the original buildings.

I was disappointed to not find many exciting eateries in the city of Jodhpur, so though I wouldn’t usually recommend staying inside the hotel for mealtimes, in this city RAAS’ fine food selection is definitely the best you will find. Enjoy rich and indulgent Indian cuisine or opt for International fare in the hotel’s only restaurant. The company have recently acquired the next door 800 year old step well, a truly magnificent heritage site which took months to clean. Enjoy the daunting views from above whilst devoured an assortment of Indian delicacies in the new Stepwell cafe. I was in great admiration of the chef’s fresh and vibrant creations, from addictively tasty Sev Puri (a Mumbai snack) to Aromatic Aloo Gobi Adraki (cauliflower and potato curry).

After lying by the stunning pool for the afternoon I took the opportunity to try the idyllic Ila spa, the first location for the beauty brand in India. Housed in the sacred historic building the spa feels instantly calm and reflective. The signature RAAS treatment is a brilliant massage which uses different techniques to sooth and rejuvenate the body. My therapist, Sonam, had magical healing hands and used hot stones and Argon oil to release uncomfortable knots and relieve tired muscles. After a day exploring the dusty town of Jodhpur there is nothing more refreshing than a trip to this heavenly spa.

The approachable staff are happy to help organise day trips or tour guides to help you get the most out of this unique destination. Before you leave the hotel don’t forget to take a ride in their very own sky-blue tuk tuk. A knowledgeable guide will take you on a whirlwind 45-minute tour of the city, which is complimentary with your stay.

This romantic hideaway offers a retreat within the chaotic but captivating city of Jodhpur. RAAS celebrate the local heritage of the place whilst offering a luxurious place to escape from it all. With the recent takeover of Devi Garh in Udaipur and plans to open a winter property in the Himalayas, it seems to be just the beginning for the RAAS brand.

More information and book a stay at RAAS Jodhpur here.

House of Rohet, Rajasthan

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The House of Rohet have put the small town of Rohet on the map for travellers wishing to experience rural Rajasthan. Just an hour’s drive from Jodhpur, the destination is accessible but feels remote and calm compared to the frantic cities in North India.

All guests arrive into the main Rohet Garh hotel, a heritage property which has been passed through 14 generations of family and opened as a hotel in 1990. Some of the original 17th century fort remains in tact, while the rest has been sensitively restored or modernised in a complementing style. There are 32 rooms at this boutique hotel, centred around a beautiful courtyard and decorative swimming pool.

For travellers who want to feel a little more immersed in their surroundings, the House of Rohet opened the Wilderness Camp in 2005. These 7 luxury tents are open between October and March offering a unique desert experience. Kitted out with a comfortable bedroom and bathroom, there is every amenity you could need, but no wifi, air conditioning or minibar. Each morning we woke up to the sound of the wild peacocks with the sun slowly rising above the tent. It was beautiful. Meals were served in the central tent; simple breakfasts and vegetarian dinners with an array of traditional Indian curries and breads.

In October 2009, Mihir Garh (Fortress of the Sun) opened, an exclusive boutique luxury option for discerning travellers. This high-end retreat had long been the dream of owner Mr Sidart Singh and his wife. Romantic and atmospheric in equal measure, this palatial property is ornate and indulgent. With an extravagant Indian restaurant and decadent spa, there is no need for guests to ever leave the miraculous Mihir Garh. I loved spending an evening here; admiring the troop of handsome Marwari horses, enjoying the traditional music, and dining al fresco with a glass of refreshing Indian Sula Sauvignon Blanc wine in hand.

One of the most memorable parts of my stay in Rohet was the Village Jeep Safari, which is offered complimentary to guests staying at all three properties. This journey through the local villages gives an insight into the locals’ daily life in rural India. After spotting a group of rare Black bug antelopes and Siberian crane birds, we headed to the Bishnoi and Brahmin tribes to meet the people and learn more about their way of life. It was humbling to meet the gracious Bishnoi family who live by 29 principles without electricity or any modernities. Next we took part in an opium ceremony with the elders at the Brahmin tribe, slurping flavoured water from the leaders hand and watching as they chanted and performed their ritual. It was unlike anything I have ever seen or taken part in before.

Rohet was not a destination before the properties opened, it was just a small sleepy village. Whilst offering travellers the opportunity to experience ‘real Rajasthan’ the House of Rohet are also helping sustain this amazing community, it was an experience I will never forget.

More information and book a stay at one of the House of Rohet hotels here.

The Leela Palace, New Delhi

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Delhi can be a daunting destination for travellers, a chaotic and dusty introduction to India. The Leela Palace New Delhi will alleviate all possible stress, ensuring your time in the capital is luxurious and exotic from the moment you step off the plane. We were picked up by one of the hotel’s smart white BMW’s and whisked away to the palatial property.

The Leela Palace New Delhi opened in April 2011 following the success of the brand’s other venues across India. The hotel is located in the prestigious diplomatic area of town and the magnificent building fits in perfectly amongst its grand surroundings. Though designed to feel and look like a traditional Indian palace, there are unique and thoughtful touches throughout the hotel, all specially commissioned and inspired by local arts.

I was staying in room 615, a standard room that was small but carefully arranged to give the impression of more space. There are 254 guestrooms in total making the hotel popular with business groups, however the wonderful facilities also make it a good choice for leisure guests. Our room was sumptuous and decadent, with a plush king-size bed and a beautiful marble bathroom complete with bath and power shower.


Whilst staying at The Leela Palace we enjoyed a lavish dinner at Jamavar, the hotel’s signature Indian restaurant. The menu includes secret recipes of the Maharaja as well as classic regional Indian dishes. It was a feast for all the senses, beautiful plates of food that smelt and tasted divine. Particularly memorable was the Bharwan tandoori broccoli stuffed with corn, cheese and fresh pomegranate and the gloriously creamy Paneer spring onion masala curry.

I highly recommend trying the Indian fare at Leela Palace but for those who desire something more international there is plenty on offer. The Qube is open for global all-day dining, and is used every morning for the breakfast buffet. Legendary American restaurant Le Cirque has an outpost on the 10th floor of the hotel offering innovative French-Italian cuisine. Or for a fresh and healthy meal guests can enjoy modern Japanese food at Megu restaurant.

I was amazed by the art collection and flower presentations at The Leela Palace. There are 14,000 fresh flowers displayed around the property everyday, which are then recycled, dried and used as natural dye. The hotel are very proud of their Indian art that is displayed around the property, this showcases upcoming artists work as well as creations by famous artists and historic artefacts. I loved the giant sculpture amalgamating three goddesses in the garden, and the fine intricate paintings in the spa.

The Leela Palace has the only Espa spa in Delhi, which is also open to non-guests. Spread over two floors, the sophisticated spa houses eight treatment rooms, an award-winning healthy café, and a relaxation room and fitness suite. On the rooftop a spectacular temperature-controlled swimming pool overlooks the city and offers a blissful haven for sunbathing and swimming.

I was sad to only be spending one day at the lovely Leela Palace New Delhi, but even in this short period of time I got a taste of the hotel’s refined Indian offering.

More information and book a room at Leela Palace New Delhi here.